A New Work Wardrobe

[SerendipityAlways]

All my work clothes are at least 5 years old and I am so sick of them all at this stage! They're all going off to the local charity shop this week. I intend to "treat" myself to a new working wardrobe gradually over the next few months and only buy items that will cleverly co-ordinate with each other etc etc. (Shades of the capsule wardrobe....) Whats your suggestions for a practical work wardrobe? I work in an office environment mornings only so dont want to spend a lot of cash. (I hate wearing skirts or any tight fitting clothes!) I need to look smart each day as I have a managerial role. All help most sincerely appreciated!!

I find Zara pretty good for workwear, and at this time of year, look at Banana Republic's sale, and I've also had some wins from Massimo Dutti in their current sale.

I tend to wear tailored trousers (straight cut or my old boot cuts / wide legs) with a good shirt (Thomas Pink - excellent quality, have lasted me YEARS), or top (mine are from Phase Eight / H&M / French Connection or are basics), usually with a smart cardie over the top, and then jewellery to accessorise.

Not exactly ground-breaking, but fairly smart and together.

In the summer I tend to wear more dresses: Phase Eight, Banana Republic and Me & Em.

Thanks Carrie - I dont care for ground-breaking, v happy with smart and organised!! Sometimes you just need someone else to tell you!!

Boden good for wool trousers - wait until there is a good code doing the rounds as they are ££ but excellent quality and worth it cost per wear. I have one pair on their third year and still look great.
Boden and Phase 8 good for wrap dresses.
M&S good for cashmere cardigans. Merino knits from M&S and Boden quite good quality too ime. (I aspire to Brora but just too eye wateringly ££, even at sale time.)
HTH

Hobbs -love their work dress also sale on now!

Sorry meant to say dresses love this

Sorry you said no skirts! Lovely tops and although not a trouser person myself I am sure they are great at Hobbs

Thanks for all the great advice! I find I hate spending money on work clothes as I'd much prefer spending it on "non work" casual clothes, despite the fact that I spend 50% of the working week at work! And then I wonder why I never have anything nice to wear to the office!!!

I'd second Hobbs as ideal for work wear - and with sale now on.

Great ideas on the Hobbs website, I havent bought from them before. How are they size wise??? For dresses I can either be a 10 or a 12 depending on the shop. Are they true to size??